Understanding bereavement & loss

Losing someone close can turn life upside down and leave us with a profound sense of loss. Commonly this follows the passing of a loved one, or somebody we felt a connection with. The death of a pet will often be deeply felt too. Our grief may be expected, or it might take us by surprise. We may experience loss both during and after an event – sometimes even years later.

Loss can take many forms. Perhaps you - or someone you care about - are moving away or leaving a community. We can also feel loss and trauma through losing a job or our position in life, relinquishing a home or other valued asset, the passing of an opportunity or the chance to live a different life.

People commonly seek support when they experience:

• Overwhelming sadness, regret, longing or loneliness
• A sense of something missing, or a reluctance to let go
• Feeling lost, unsure of who they are, or what they want
• Difficulty coping with daily routines or interactions
• Struggles with family or social expectations around grief
• A sense that others have ‘moved on’ while they haven’t

Counselling provides a gentle, steady space to explore what grief or loss looks like for you, regardless of other opinions, and whatever the cause.

How bereavement and loss can affect your life

Grief is deeply personal – there is no ‘right’ way to feel and no set timetable for when things should get easier. You might take steps forward, and other times back; your emotions may change from day to day, or even from one moment to another.

Loss touches every part of your world, and the feelings are both varied and unpredictable. It can affect your identity and mood, your wellbeing and your relationships.

Grief or loss often feels heavy, bewildering and deeply unsettling. It may seem too much to bear, and impossible to process or move beyond. But the good news is that you don’t have to tackle this alone.